Serbia marks new beginning with Russia

The Serbian prime minister, Zoran Djindjic, has been holding talks in Moscow in an attempt to boost bilateral ties with Russia.

Correspondents say Russia was slow in recognising Serbia's new leadership after Slobodan Milosevic was swept from power, and that Moscow risked losing influence in the Balkans.

But Mr Djindjic said Belgrade was just as eager for good relations with Russia as it was with the West.

In return Moscow has offered its help in restoring Serbia's infrastracture and economy.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service